Parent Magazine Volusia December 2019 | Page 17

Foster their innate sense of curiosity and explore a variety of activities with your kids, ranging from hobbies to volunteer work. The intrinsic rewards of participating in activities that deliver personal gratification contribute to positive self-esteem and confidence. their family of origin to provide positive emotional and practical support. If this is the case for you, focus on building friendships through your neighborhood, church, or your child’s school. They eat together. Multiple research studies show The Hons rely on a family of “adopted” aunts, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas to help them with their youngsters, which also helps them nurture their marriage. Kids who dine with their parents are more likely to have higher grade point averages, higher self-esteem and even stronger vocabularies. If possible, turn off the TV and put aside electronics to be in the moment around your dinner table with your family. “My kids go to the zoo all of the time with a little set of aunties that we have,” Hon says. “That’s their thing. That allows my husband and I to have quiet time in our house or quality time out.” “Sometimes we forget that life needs to be simple. It’s ok to sit around the table and have dinner together. In the quest for bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, we forget to simply be still,” Jackson-Rice says. “We forget to simply connect…to be with our kids.” they’re upset, listen and validate their feelings and verbally label their emotions. Avoid taking your child’s behavior personally or rushing to fix their problems. Given the opportunity, kids can often peacefully problem-solve and negotiate with siblings and playmates without parental interference. that eating dinner together can lower the incidence of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and depression. They show affection. Families today face plenty of stress. One simple antidote is to hug more. “An eight-second hug is one of the best ways to give and get self-care,” Winkel says. “An eight-second hug releases oxytocin and great feel-good, stress-relieving hormones. Hug your babies. Hug your kids. Hug your partner.” Hon’s youngsters show affection for people who visit them by blowing kisses and waving goodbye when it’s time for their visitors to depart. They honor emotions. Empathize with your child when According to relationship expert John Gottman, kids who learn to self-soothe move through negative emotions faster. These same kids also tend to form stronger friendships, which is another key to long-term happiness. Reflective Conversation Starters What was the highlight of your day? Did anything in your day make you sad/happy/angry, etc? What are you looking forward to tomorrow? “From an adult perspective, I know we’re expressing gratitude and making people feel loved and valued and that makes me really happy,” Hon says. "There’s nothing like getting kisses blown to you from a two-year-old from the street!” OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS They goof off. Play and laugh together. “Then, your kids get to experience you as human,” Winkel says. Sing together in the car, make up zany songs when it’s time to brush teeth, exchange riddles or jokes, jam to funky music in your living room, or make a funny face to defuse a tense situation. Manage power struggles playfully. Is your preschooler refusing to get dressed? Respond by dramatically trying to put their clothes on. “It helps them lighten up a little bit. We don’t have to be all serious all of the time,” Winkel says. Also, follow your child’s lead. Play dolls, Legos or craft together. If your child likes to bike ride, explore new trails together. Schedule a family board game night or play video games together. TREATING ALL OF LIFE’S URGENCIES • Colds • Flu • Fevers • Sore Throat • Asthma • Infections • Orthopedics • Stomach & Digestive Conditions • Plus So Much More FACILITY FEATURES • Onsite Labs • X-Ray • EKG • Emergency Physicians on-staff WE TAKE MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCES Jackson-Rice says her two teens love Snapchat so she signed up for the app too. “They love it when I’m snapping a picture of what I’m doing. It’s a little silly for me, but that’s the way they connect and what they’re passionate about right now,” she says. They create community. Not all parents can rely on TWIN LAKES NEW SMYRNA BEACH 1890 LPGA Blvd., Suite 130, DB PHONE: (386) 274-2212 1327 Saxon Drive, NSB PHONE: (386) 767-2402 Corner of LPGA & Clyde Morris PrimeCareMD.org Publix Beachside /primecaremd